Nepal’s prime Minister K P Oli Sunday said the undeclared blockade by India and the resultant humanitarian crisis in the country had undermined historic ties between the two nations as well as the rights of a landlocked country under international law.

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In his first nationally televised address to the nation after becoming PM, Oli said the shortage because of the blockade had hit those needing immediate medical care, including pregnant women, and schoolgoing children the worst.

He added that the blockade had left deep negative impact on the minds of the people about an important neighbour. While recalling high-level visits by Indian leaders and resumption of major hydro-projects last year, he claimed that the current “war- like situation that Nepal has been facing” had relegated all that progress to the background.

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However, he praised China for helping Nepal with fuel and other essential commodities. Speaking about China, he added: “We will have our trade volume enhanced and diversified.”

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Oli said that the current crisis was a big lesson, asserting that it was time for the country to move towards self-reliance and austerity. He promised that his government will make arrangements for generating 200 MW power from solar-energy within a year and connect it to the national transmission line to achieve drastic reduction in load-shedding.

Speaking about the current crisis involving Nepal’s agitating Madhesi leaders, he said “we are capable of sorting out (the problem) ourselves without external meddling’. Expressing concern over the impact of the blockade on the economy, which had taken a hit due to the earthquake, Oli asked Madhesi groups to withdraw their agitation and India to lift the obstruction immediately.

Nepal objects to India-UK statement

Kathmandu: Nepal has objected to remarks regarding “inadequacies” in its constitution made in the joint statement issued by UK and India. A statement issued by Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that while Nepal respected the international community’s support for peace, stability and prosperity, it strongly viewed that constitution making was an internal matter that Nepal was capable of handling on its own. ENS